Thai King Bhumibol, world’s longest-reigning monarch, dies – palace
By Aukkarapon Niyomyat and Amy Sawitta Lefevre BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world&039;s longest-reigning monarch, died in hospital on Thursday, the palace said in an announcement. King Bhumibol reigned for seven decades after ascending the throne in 1946. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha addressed the nation shortly after the announcement of the king&039;s death to say an heir to the throne had been designated since 1972 and that the government would inform parliament of the choice.Prayuth did not identify the heir but King Bhumibol designated prince Vajiralongkorn the heir apparent when he invested him as the crown prince in 1972.
